Whitehaven Coal Ltd reported a 41% total shareholder return for the full year to June 30, 2026, despite a 6% decline in average realized coal prices to AUD 202 per tonne. Underlying net profit after tax fell to AUD 227 million from AUD 385 million in FY2025, reflecting a AUD 158 million reduction in non-recurring gains.
Production reached a record 40.3 million tonnes, up 8% year-on-year, driven by gains in Queensland and New South Wales. Managed coal sales rose to 32.7 million tonnes, with 90% directed to Asian markets, including Japan and India. Unit costs improved to AUD 132 per tonne, near the low end of guidance, while EBITDA per tonne declined to AUD 48 from AUD 51 in the prior year.
Underlying EBITDA totaled AUD 1.25 billion, with a 27% margin, supported by Queensland’s AUD 677 million contribution and New South Wales’ AUD 596 million. Revenue fell to AUD 5.4 billion, reflecting lower coal prices and a shift in the sales mix. Net debt stood at AUD 1.327 billion, equivalent to one turn of leverage, with AUD 778 million in cash on hand.
The company declared a fully franked dividend of AUD 0.06 per share, payable September 15, alongside plans to allocate up to AUD 47 million for share buybacks over six months. FY2027 guidance projects managed ROM production of 38-41 million tonnes and managed coal sales of 30.4-33 million tonnes, with unit costs expected to rise to AUD 132-147 per tonne.
Capital expenditure is forecast at AUD 390-490 million, up from AUD 349 million in FY2026, while interest expenses are projected to decline to AUD 215 million. Management highlighted strong operational performance and cost discipline as key drivers of the results.
